How to Create a French Bustle

A French bustle is used to keep the train of a wedding dress from dragging on the floor. This allows the bride to move more freely at her reception and also keeps the train neat and clean. A bustle can be created somewhat easily and you don't have to be a sewing expert to do so.

Measuring

Use a live model or mannequin to display the gown. Measure the length of the dress from the waist to the floor. Mark this measurement on the train with stick pins.

Folding and Pinning

Raise the train up at the pin mark and hold it against the back center of the waistline. Make sure the train is at least 1/2-3/4 inches off the floor. Pin the center of the train to the waistline. Measure each side of the train to match the measurements of the center and pin them to the waistline as well.

Attaching the Ribbon

Hand stitch a long piece of ribbon to the waistline back center. Create a loop by folding a 2 1/2 inch piece of ribbon. Stitch the loop of ribbon to the underside of the train about half an inch down from the waistline. You have now created a French bustle and need only to put the long ribbon through the loop and tie it into a pretty bow to hold the train up in place. Make sure the train is folded neatly and evenly.